I married a stormtrooper

CNN PRODUCER NOTESithGirl is such a big fan that James A. Taylor (the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars) is on her voice mail.- hhanks, CNN iReport producer

Star Wars changed my life when I first saw it in May of 1977. I became fascinated with the thoughts of having a wookiee friend and meeting Han Solo. I wrote a letter to George Lucas...and thought for sure his decision to release The Empire Strikes Back on May 21, 1980 was because it was my 9th birthday! And as I blew out the candles on my cake I wished to meet Han Solo someday (and secretly find a boyfroend that loved SW too)

Empire was when I truly went into full Star Wars mode as a child..and ever since then.

Memories of sitting in between my parents as we watched and I saw a taun taun for the first time still gives me chills. There is a pure joy with Star Wars and for me, especially with Empire.

The Christmas of 1980 my Dad (who was a truck driver) found the one item I really wanted- The Darth Vader action figure case. We lived in the middle of no where in Indiana and sources were limited on SW items. Little did I know my dad found the case in Texas and brought it back for me! (and yes I still have it)

I embraced Empire not only as a movie, but also a way of life. And call me a geek, but I have never let anyone take this from me. All I really longed for was a friend, a boy, that loved Star Wars as much as I did. I never gave up hope.

Due to my love of Star Wars and Empire being my favorite of the trilogy, I found myself wanting to work in film to get a better understanding on how movie magic is made. I became a studio publicist and film promoter and through my work was given the opportunity to meet...Han Solo. Yes, I did meet Harrison Ford, and up until that point that was the best day of my life!

It wasn't until a day in May of 2005 that the untilmate door opened for me and I was asked to work the press junket for Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith at Skywalker Ranch. I cried I was so thrilled. As I was working on the back porch of the main house at the ranch, I heard on the walkies that there were 'stormtroopers' available for filming if needed. Who wouldn't want to see a stormtrooper? I requested one trooper to head my way...and on the morning of May 4th, 2005, the stormtrooper that stole my heart walked into my life. And yes, the first thing I said to him was 'Aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper?'. As the day went on and I continued to work, I found myself crossing paths with this stormtrooper again. We found ourselves sitting next to one another at a screening of SITH that night at the Ranch. As the opening credits began to scroll..he took my hand. I knew in that moment he was the one. The boy I had wished for since I was 9 years old.

May 4, 2006 we got engaged. May 4, 2008 we were married at Kerner Optical (formerly LFL) at the George Lucas Theatre in San Rafael, CA and had our reception inside a soundstage used to film Empire move magic! It was a galactic event with over 30 members of the 501st Legion (which we are members) Golden Gate Garrison, Darth Vader performed the ceremony, R2-D2 joined the reception, we had a Star Destroyer (image used from Empire) wedding cake, my Dad dressed as George Lucas to walk me (dressed as bounty hunter Boushh) to my stormtrooper husband. www.starwarsweding.us

I made a wish when I was 9 years old...the day The Empire Strikes Back came into theatres and into my life. Not only did I meet my childhood hero, Han Solo, but I found that boy who loved Star Wars as much as me...never stop believing. Hold on to the joy you discovered as a child (or adult) when you watched any Star War film and do not let anyone try and take that away from you.

Our love of Star Wars only grows and we have named our home the 'Concord Cantina' as every room is filled with our beloved collection of Star Wars items (both old and new) and my Darth Vader action figure case sits proudly above our fireplace :)

Since our Star Wars wedding we've continued to meet new and amazing people due to our love of Star Wars and people we never thought possible to ever meet we are fortunate enough to now call friends.

The Empire Strikes Back shaped my life in the most galactic way and I will forever be thankful for that.

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